Buying property in Costa Rica does not automatically give you residency, and you do not need residency to buy. But many buyers want to live here part or all of the year. These are the most common options.
Investor residency (inversionista)
An investment of at least US$150,000 in Costa Rica, which can be real estate, can qualify you for temporary investor residency. The property must be registered in your name (or your company’s) with a registered value that meets the minimum.
Retiree residency (pensionado)
Proof of a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 per month.
Income residency (rentista)
Proof of a stable income of at least US$2,500 per month guaranteed for two years, or a deposit of US$60,000 in a Costa Rican bank.
Digital nomad visa
For remote workers earning at least US$3,000 per month (US$4,000 with family) from outside Costa Rica. It is granted for one year and can be renewed for one more.
Good to know
- Depending on your nationality, you can stay as a tourist for up to 180 days while you look for property.
- Applications are filed with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. Documents from abroad must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Residents must join the national health system (CCSS, “la Caja”).
- Requirements and amounts change: check them with an immigration lawyer before you apply.
Planning to move to Costa Rica? Contact us: we can recommend trusted local lawyers and find a home that fits your plans.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and amounts change: always confirm with an independent Costa Rican lawyer before you buy.
